Heavy Rains hit Normal Life in Odisha

Heavy rains triggered by the low pressure over the Bay of Bengal, has hit the normal life in Odisha for the past three days. The rains may continue for another 36 hours or so. Several rivers in North and South Odisha are in spate because of the rains.

Twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been worst hit by the rains, as artificial flood situation is seen elsewhere in these cities. Poor drainage system and construction of flyovers, have added to the woes of people of Bhubneswar in Bomikhal.

Situation has worsened in Acharya Vihar, Jayadev Vihar, Rasulgarh, GGP Colony, Hanspal, Palasuni, Old Town, Ashok Nagar, Old Station Bazar and many other parts of the capital. Many areas have plunged into darkness, as the CESU has deliberately disconnected the power supply, making excuse of poor weather conditions. A two-storeyed old house had collapsed in the station bazar area yesterday. However, no casualties have been reported.

In Cuttack, waterlogging has been reported from all parts of the city, including Badambadi, Khapuria Press Chhak, Bidanasi, CDA, Khannagar etc. Train services between Khordha and Palasa are affected because of an overflowing river near Icchapuram. The routes of 29 trains are being diverted. Three trains – Bhubaneswar-Vizag Intercity, Puri-Tirupati and Visakha Express trains have been cancelled up to Palasa.

Horrible Sight of Busy Cuttack Road near Bomikhal, Bhubaneswar.

Flood scare has gripped Hinjilikatu, Shergarh, Purushottampur, Aska, Gunupur, Mohana, Adaba, as Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers are flowing over the danger zone. More deaths were reported from the cyclone-affected Ganjam district yesterday due to wall collapse. In Berhampur, two people died of asphyxia, as they had slept in the night by switching the generator on. Another person died in Kodala due to the same reason.

The relief and rehabilitation work in Ganjam and Puri district have been badly affected due to heavy rains. At least 70 per cent people in Ganjam district are still without power. If the rain do not recede within the next 24 hours, things would be very tough for the common people in Coastal regions.